Time for Torah with Rabbi Silberberg: Teffilah Krias Shema and Its Brachos #6
Jul 7, 2022
Rabbi Silberberg delves into the significance of 'Baruch Shem' in the context of Yaakov's dialogue, shedding light on why it’s recited quietly. He shares an intriguing Midrash featuring a princess and food scraps, illustrating deeper meanings of divine presence. The discussion also contrasts two levels of divine oneness, emphasizing the role of tzaddikim versus everyday devotion. As he transitions to V'ahavta, he highlights love for God as the ultimate service, drawing on examples of selfless devotion, like Rabbi Akiva's martyrdom.
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Two Levels Of Divine Oneness
- The added phrase "Baruch Shem..." in Shema expresses a complementary, lower form of God's oneness alongside the original Pasuk.
- This insertion bridges lofty mystical truth with relatable expression for people in the world.
Princess And The Pot Scraps
- A Midrash compares saying Baruch Shem quietly to a princess craving the tasty scraps at the bottom of a pot.
- The metaphor explains why the phrase is whispered: it's valuable but 'beneath' the royal context.
Baruch As Drawing Divine Presence
- "Baruch" means to draw down, so Baruch Hashem draws God's name, glory and kingship into our world.
- Those attributes are secondary expressions, not God's essence, so we invoke them to make divinity practical.
